Christmas overload. Yes it can happen. There is a possibility that there may be too many presents to open, too many parties to attend, too many delectable sweets to eat, and way too many family members to talk too. It can happen to anyone. . But especially to a sensational kid-my kid! It happens to me every year as well.  I love the holidays, but I like my alone time with my family just as much. Having divorced parents which are in two separate states, in addition to in-laws in another state, the holidays are a bit hectic to say the least. This year, although it was still very busy, we decided to keep Christmas Day to ourselves ( Decision was AWESOME- by the way).

Christmas Eve

Crowds, noise, new people, days off schedule are all things that can trigger a sensory attack for my boy. Heck, it throws me off my game. As much as I am a social butterfly within my circle of friends, I however am not when it comes to my family or large gatherings.  And my family probably created the term “family drama”, so you can imagine how fun our gatherings can get.  WE are a loud, sometimes too opinionated, Italian family. Things can get….well……for another day…..moving on…..

A quiet break with his cousin

Before Christmas Eve, we had already been to 3 family Christmas parties. Landon was a rockstar at all of them. He kinda has his own schedule that he follows at parties. He eats super fast, then asks to be excused. He doesn’t like the table setting, with all the jabbering, and close seating. I can tell it makes him uncomfortable. I am so proud he is able to use his words (most times) to tell us how he is feeling in that situation. He then finds a quiet spot to read on the Ipad, play a game, or watch a movie. Sometimes if there is another kid, he will ask them to play. He has figured out what works for him. And I don’t listen to anyone judgements on it (well try to anyway).

Christmas Morning

Christmas extends all the way into the New Year for us- which is why I say Christmas Overload is something that happens almost every year in the Friedman Household. On the 28th of December we will be having another Christmas party with the my husbands family- then right after the New Year is my birthday. I decided NO party this year- I just want a quiet day at home ( I am sure this decision will turn out to be a good one too). While the holidays are hectic, I do appreciate the family that we do share it with, but most people (family included) don’t realize that it’s not as simple as it seems to just attend any party we want, at any time, any place.  A schedule is something Landon thrives on. He knows what is expected of him at each point of the day. Where things go, where to sit, what to expect to eat etc…. When you take that away from him almost every week for a day or so, it throws him off. Then just when he gets back onto his schedule, we throw another curve ball him. I honestly love the holidays, but am also just as excited to see them leave. It means that my boy will have less “sensory attacks”. As a parent, you want to do whatever you can to make your child comfortable, but I can’t just wave my magic wand (yes I have one) and ask the holidays to disappear! I think that would be unfair to everyone, don’t you?

 I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season- and wishes for a happy & healthy New Year from my family to yours !